Modular utility assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use with a plurality of interchangeable modules comprising a frame and a plate provided on the frame and comprising a plurality of mounting locations for mounting interchangeable modules relative to the plate. The mounting locations are configured to allow for selective attachment of a first interchangeable module to the plate, removal of the first interchangeable module from the plate after the selective attachment to the plate, and selective attachment of a second interchangeable module to the plate after the removal of the first interchangeable module without reconfiguring the mounting locations of the plate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.Application Ser. No. 10/252,025, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, which claimsthe benefit of priority of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/324,315, filedon Sep. 24, 2001; U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/330,394, filed on Oct.18, 2001; and U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/351,617, filed Jan. 24, 2002.

This Application claims the benefit of priority as available under 35U.S.C. §§ 119-121 to the following Patent Applications (which are herebyincorporated by reference in the present Application): U.S. ApplicationSer. No. 10/252,025, filed on Sep. 20, 2002; U.S. Application Ser. No.60/324,315, filed on Sep. 24, 2001; U.S. Application Ser. No.60/330,394, filed on Oct. 18, 2001; and U.S. Application Ser. No.60/351,617, filed Jan. 24, 2002.

FIELD

The present invention relates to modular utility assemblies such asstorage and waste receptacles. The present invention also relates tomodular utility assemblies having one or more functional modules orstations.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide storage and/or waste receptacles for use inindustrial, commercial and/or other applications. Such receptacles mayprovide utilities to a user, such as a waste container, a windshieldservice stations, a towel dispenser, etc. However, such systems do notreadily allow one or more different utility modules to be reconfigured,or have the arrangement altered. Such receptacles do not realize certainadvantageous features and/or combinations of features realized by thepresent invention.

It would be advantageous to provide a system that provides one or moreassemblies of stations or functional modules, or combinations of modulesor stations. It would also be advantageous to provide an assembly thatallows for configurability, interchangeability, flexibility,reconfigurability, etc. in constructing the assembly with a variety ofmodules for use in service stations, near portable toilets, conveniencestores, or other environments. It would further be advantageous toprovide an assembly that would allow changes in configuration accordingto changing desires or needs by an end user. It would further beadvantageous to provide an assembly including modular receptacles,sub-assemblies, sub-cabinets, and other associated modules, such astrash bags, paper towel hoppers, windshield washing service units, toweldispensers, planters, or the like.

It would further be advantageous to provide an assembly including amodular aspect, such that various sub-cabinets may be coupled to asupport panel or frame that includes a mounting plate to form areceptacle system such as a cabinet or service stand. It would furtherbe advantageous to provide an assembly including a mounting plate ormounting structure for the attachment of various dispensers, racks orthe like produced by different manufacturers and having varying designsand/or mounting points or configurations. It would further beadvantageous to provide an assembly that includes a mounting platecoupled to or integrated into an elevated portion of a support panel orframe so that attached dispensers, racks or the like, and/or signage orprinted materials, may be placed near the eye-level of a standingindividual. It would further be advantageous to provide an assembly thatis (height) adjustable relative to a base or other structure.

It would be desirable to provide a utility assembly or the like thatincludes any one or more of these or other advantageous features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a modular utility assembly accordingembodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2B is a partial view of the modular utility assembly of FIG. 2A ingreater detail according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a modular utility assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the modular utility assembly of FIG. 3Aaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the modular utility assembly of FIG. 3Aaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3D is a front elevation view of the modular utility assembly ofFIG. 3A according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3E is a side elevation view of the modular utility assembly of FIG.3A according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3F is a top plan view of the modular utility assembly of FIG. 3Aaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the modular utility assembly of FIG. 4Aaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a modular utility assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a modular utility assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 11A through 11C are perspective views of modular utilityassemblies according to various exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a modular utility assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a module and interface foruse with a modular utility assembly according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a module for use with a modularutility assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16B is an exploded view of the module of FIG. 16A according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the module of FIGS. 16A and 16Baccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of a modular utility assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a modular utility assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an interface for use with a modularutility assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of a module for use with amodular utility assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a modular utility systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the of the modular utility system of FIG.22 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of a modular utility system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of a modular utility system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of a modular utility system according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a modular utility system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of a modular utility system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the modular utility system of

FIG. 28 taken along line 29-29 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the modular utility system of

FIG. 25 taken along line 30-30 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a rear elevation view of a modular utility system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of a modular utility systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the modular utility system ofFIG. 32 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 34 through 37 are front perspective views of modular utilitysystems according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a front elevation view of the receptacle of FIG. 42 accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of the receptacle of FIG. 42 according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the receptacle of FIG. 42 according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a side elevation view of the receptacle of FIG. 42 accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of a receptacle according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 43 is an exploded view of a towel dispenser for a modular utilitysystem according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 44 is front perspective view of the towel dispenser of FIG. 43according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a rear elevation view of the towel dispenser of FIG. 43according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a side elevation view of the towel dispenser of FIG. 43according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a bottom plan view of the towel dispenser of FIG. 43according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 48 is front elevation view of the towel dispenser of FIG. 43according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a top plan view of the towel dispenser of FIG. 43 accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 50 and 51 are views of a towel cover for a towel dispenseraccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a front elevation view of a graphics panel according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a front elevation view of a graphics panel cover according toan exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in the FIGURES, various exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention provide an assembly allowing the reconfiguration,rearrangement, modularity, and flexibility in constructing arranging,and reconfiguring various functional utility modules. The assemblyprovides flexibility in constructing and assembling, for example, aservice station or service island. The modularity of the assembly allowsfor the repair, reconstruction, and adaptation of the modules before orafter the initial installation. The assembly also allows for theconstruction of stations with a variety of structural and functionalconfigurations and combinations. Modules and stations areinterchangeable for reasons such as form, function, appearance, size,etc.

A variety of first modules or utility stations (e.g., a waste container,trash receptacle, bin, storage cabinet, container, windshield servicestations, housing, etc.) may be selected for use in the assembly. Theselection may be made according to individual preferences and/or otherfunctional considerations. For example, in a service station (e.g., gasstation), a waste receptacle may be useful, and desired as the first,lower module. An interface (e.g., a riser, extension, frame ormember(s), coacting elements, fasteners, etc.) may then be coupled tothe first module. The interface may include a surface (e.g., a mountingmember, mounting plate, universal mounting plate, etc.) or otherconfigurations for attaching a variety of selected second modules. Asshown in the FIGURES, a variety of second modules or stations (e.g., anupper module, portion, station or cabinet, or a side module, portionhaving a variety of different sizes and mounting configurationsincluding mounting points, apertures, hooks, brackets, etc.) may beselected for use in the assembly. The various modules may be replaced orreconfigured relatively easily with other selected modules.

Various configurations of assemblies may be used in commercial,residential, or industrial facilities, including gas stations, servicestations, garages, warehouses, public areas, parks, near rest-roomfacilities, etc. The assemblies may be adapted for indoor or outdooruse.

Referring to the FIGURES, exemplary embodiments of a modular assemblyare shown. The modular assembly provides one or more assemblies,stations, functional modules, or utility modules, or combinations ofmodules or stations. The modular assembly allows for changing theconfiguration according to changing desires, needs or functionalconcerns. As shown in the FIGURES, exemplary embodiments of the modularassembly provide assemblies including modular receptacles,sub-assemblies, sub-cabinets, and other associated modules, such astrash bags, paper towel hoppers, windshield washing service units, toweldispensers, planter or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the modular assembly 10comprises a first module 20, an interface 30, a mounting member (shownas surface 40) and a second module 50. Interface 30 is coupled to firstmodule 20. Surface 40 is provided on interface 30. Second module 50 iscoupled to surface 40. As shown in the FIGURES, a first module may beprovided as a lower module, lower portion, lower station, or as a basefor the assembly. The first module may be a variety of differentfunctional modules, structures, and/or stations. According to exemplaryembodiments, the interface is configured to interchangeably receive oneof a plurality of different sized modules (e.g., modules of differentsize and/or having different mounting points or mountingconfigurations). The interface comprises a plurality of differentlyspaced indentations or apertures (e.g., openings, mounting or attachmentpoints, fasteners, inserts, molded in inserts, etc.) that providemounting or attachment points for interchangeable module attachment ormounting.

The first module may include a waste container, trash receptacle, bin,storage cabinet, container, housing, etc. as shown in FIGS. 2A to 6,16A, 16B, 16C, 17A, 17B and 19. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, firstmodule 220 (shown as a waste container) may be a single unitary body.According to an alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B,the first module may have a base 80 and a lid 90 that is removable. Aremovable lid 90 facilitates the removal of the waste contained in thebase 80.

First module 20 may include a service center (such as a windshieldservice center, oil service center, maintenance service center, etc.). Awindshield service center may include a support structure or frameworkfor supporting and receiving receptacles, containers, or buckets (seeFIGS. 2A, 2B and 4A to 12). These receptacles may be for holding fluidsuch as water or windshield washing fluid. The windshield service centermay further include a towel dispenser (see FIG. 5).

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, awindshield service center 100 may include a single bucket 110. Accordingto an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 14, windshield service center5100 may include dual buckets 5110, 5120. According to other alternativeembodiments, any number, combinations, and configurations of buckets maybe used.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, firstmodule 320 may also be a combination of waste container 60 andwindshield service center 100. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.5, a windshield service center 6100 is provided on a side of the wastecontainer 660. Windshield service center 6100 has a bucket 6110 forholding fluid and a towel dispenser 6120.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, first modules 820,920, 1020 may be provided as one or more side modules, side portions, oras a side-by-side members for the assembly. The side module may be avariety of different functional modules such as receptacles, servicecenters, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 16A through 16C, firstmodule 3620 may comprise a multiple piece waste container assembled froma plurality of panels 390, a base 400 and lid 3690 with opening 210 thatmay be shipped in a disassembled state, and assembled on-site using avariety of fasteners or other interconnection means (e.g., screws,nuts/bolts, corner pieces, tongue-in-grove connections, locking clipsand the like).

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3F, a rigid liner322, such as a bucket or an open-faced box, may be housed in firstmodule 320 as a waste receptacle. Alternatively, a flexible liner suchas a trash bag may be housed in the module as a waste receptacle. Theflexible liner may be secured within the waste container by retentionclips, by an inwardly directed flange that is laterally flared ornotched along an outer face in combination with an elastic retentionband or by a set of hinged retainer rings.

In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, first module3920 may comprise a single piece chassis 410 including one or moreopenings 420. The rear portion of chassis 410 may be omitted if chassis410 will consistently be coupled to support panels or other sub-cabinetswith similar or larger profiles. Windshield washing service units orsimilar bin-like receptacles may be supported within the chassis by anexterior flange that overlaps a perimeter edge of the chassis opening.In another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 18, first module 4020may comprise a container-like chassis that includes a partial sideopening and a cover portion 4021, as shown in FIG. 18. Windshieldwashing service units or similar bin-like receptacles that are insertedinto the chassis may rest on a the bottom of the chassis or be supportedby a combination of simple engagement with an inner surface of thechassis and a flange portion that overlaps a lower edge of the containerside opening. A flange may still be provided in either case to easeremoval of the receptacle from the container.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 19, first module720 may comprise waste container 760 and a planter 730. Soil may beplaced in planter 730 for growing plants, shrubs, bushes, flowers, etc.to improve the aesthetics surrounding the assembly.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the first module may beconstructed from polymer concrete, polyethylene, cast aluminum, steel,various metal and steel alloys, plastics, and other polymers. Accordingto a particularly preferred embodiment, the first module is constructedfrom a suitable plastic.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, an interface 30may be provided between first module 20 and second module 50. Theinterface provided between the first module and second module may be ariser, extension, frame (e.g., rectangular tube frame 341 in FIGS. 3Athrough 3F), or member as shown in FIGS. 3A through 5, 8 through 12, 14,15 and 17. According to an alternative embodiment, the interface may befasteners, clips, etc. as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the interface may be configured tohave an adjustable height. For example, the interface may be providedwith multiple mounting points at multiple heights at which it may becoupled to the first and/or second module. Alternatively, the interfacemay be configured similar to an extension pole having a number of presetheights which may be adjusted by depressing a locking element fromengagement in one aperture, adjusting the height of the interface, andreleasing the locking element to engage in another aperture at adifferent height. It should be noted that a variety of differentadjustment positions, at a variety of intervals, and any number ofadjustment positions may be provided with the system.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 14, interface 530may comprise two vertically extending members 540 and 550 extending awayfrom the first module 520. Interface 530 may be fastened to first module520 using a variety of fasteners including screws, bolts, fasteners thatare co-molded or molded into the body of module 520, etc. According toan alternative embodiment, the interface may be molded into the body offirst module during the construction of the first module.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in the FIG. 15, interface 3430 may be aframe work or an open frame work arrangement which in part serves as abase, having supports such as feet 3432. First module 3420 is receivedin interface 3430, and an second module 3450 may be received or coupledto surface 3440. Modules may be selectively attached to and removed fromthe framework (by bolting, etc.).

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the interface isconstructed from steel tubing. Alternatively, the interface may beconstructed from stainless steel, aluminized steel alloy, aluminumalloy, polymers, composites, fiberglass, plastics, mechanical fasteners,etc.

The interface provided between the first module and second module may bean interface or frame provided between the modules. In an exemplaryembodiment as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the interface 830 or 930 isprovided between modules 820 or 920 and 850 or 950 to provide a memberto which both modules may be attached/fastened/coupled, etc. In anexemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, first module 4620 and secondmodule 4650 are coupled with an interface 4630 comprising fasteners suchas bolts 310 and one or more mounting points shown as apertures 312. Inalternative embodiments, the first and second modules are placed “backto back” with each other. The first and second modules may or may not beattached to each other. The first and second modules may be simplyproximate one another. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 6,a latch or hook assembly 4130 (comprising member 4132 which coacts withmember 4134 and fasteners 4136 which coact with fasteners provided onmodule 450) or other selectively attachable mechanism may be providedbetween the first and second modules and/or provided on a frame.Alternatively, pins or bolts may be provided between the first andsecond modules to connect the two modules.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, a mountingmember 40 may be provided on or coupled to interface 30. Mounting member40 may be a mounting plate, a mounting surface, or a support surface(e.g., interface). Mounting member or interface 59 comprising fasteners62, inserts 61 (e.g., fastener inserts, molded-in inserts, fasteners,etc.) mounting or attachment points 63 is provided as shown in FIGS. 3Athrough 3E. According to a particularly preferred embodiment as shown inFIG. 20, mounting member or interface 2340 is configured such that itprovides a “universal” interface or mounting surface for selected secondmodules. For example, mounting member 2340 is configured to receive twoor more differently sized second modules (e.g., modules of differentsize and/or having different mounting or attachment points or mountingconfigurations). In a particularly preferred embodiment as shown in FIG.20, mounting member or interface 2340 includes pre-positioned molded-ininserts 160 (e.g., fastener inserts or fasteners) and fasteners 162 toprovide attachment or mounting points 163. Mounting member 2340 isconfigured to allow for interchangeability between or support of orproviding mounting points for a variety of configuration of paper toweldispensers having different mounting points. Various distances (D1-D14)between pre-positioned molded-in inserts 160 are shown in FIG. 20. Inthe particularly preferred embodiment, D1 is 3.50 inches, D2 is 2.75inches, D3 is 3.50 inches, D4 is 3.00 inches, D5 is 2.50 inches, D6 is4.50 inches, D7 is 5.00 inches, D8 is 9.4375 inches, D9 is 5.25 inches,D10 is 10.50 inches, D11 is 5.00 inches, D12 is 6.00 inches, D13 is 5.00inches, and D14 is 5.125 inches. According to various alternativeembodiments, a variety of dimensions and/or spacings may be used thatprovide mounting points for one or two or more modules. A variety ofpaper towel models may be mounted to mounting member 2340. This allowsfor the paper towel dispensers to be changed according to preferences ordesires without requiring reconstruction of the unit, re-drilling ofholes, etc. Paper towel dispensers may be quickly and easily changed dueto the interchangeability and “universal” design of the mounting member.According to an alternative embodiment, the mounting member or plate orsurface may be configured to allow the selective interchangeability ofany of a variety of selected second modules. According to an alternativeembodiment, the mounting member or plate or surface may provide one ormore adjustable brackets, frames, etc. for mounting second modules.

In an exemplary embodiment, the surface on the interface may beconstructed from polymer concrete, polymers, plastics, etc. According toother alternative embodiments, a variety of materials may be usedincluding metals, alloys, composites, etc.

The second module may be a variety of different functional modules,structures, utility assemblies, and/or stations. As shown in FIGS. 2Aand 2B, second module 350 may be a utility station such as a paper toweldispenser 290. In exemplary embodiments as shown in FIGS. 11A through11C, a center-pull towel dispenser 320, a roll towel dispenser 330, or afolded towel dispenser 340 may be mounted to the mounting member.Various configurations and types of paper towel dispensers may bemounted to the mounting member or to the interface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second module may be providedas an upper module, portion, station or cabinet or as a side module,portion, station or cabinet for the assembly. The second module maycomprise a variety of different functional modules such as a soapdispenser, sanitizer dispenser, hand cleaner, waterless hand cleanerdispensers, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second moduleand/or interface is configured for the attachment of functional modulessuch as a soap dispensers, sanitizer dispensers, hand cleaners,waterless hand cleaner dispensers, etc.,

According to alternative embodiments, the second module may beconfigured for the attachment of functional modules such as variouspaper towel dispensers commercially available from von DrehleCorporation of Hickory, N.C., Georgia Pacific of Augusta, Ga., SCA ofSweden, or other suitable supplier.

As shown in FIG. 13, the second module may be any number and variety ofmodules, utilities, or assemblies. The second module may bemerchandising units such as displays, cabinets, storage units, etc. forholding, storing and displaying goods and merchandise. The merchandisingunits may include shelves, wire racks, display hooks, clips, etc. foruse in displaying merchandise. As shown in FIG. 13, the second modulemay be or include a product merchandiser 170. Product merchandiser 170may be used for displaying good, products, merchandise etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second module may comprise autility device 180 for providing amenities to a user and/or vehicle(e.g., an oil service center that provides oil related products such astowels, funnels, etc.) 180. As shown in FIG. 13, the oil service center180 may include a dispenser for oil funnels, paper towels, etc. Thesecond module may be or include a windshield service center 185.Windshield service center 185 may include a container or bucket 186 forholding windshield washing fluid, squeegees, etc. Windshield servicecenter 185 may further include a paper towel dispenser (not shown). Thesecond module may be or include a glove dispenser 190 for use in carmaintenance. The second module may be or include a dispenser (shown asdispensers 198 and 200. The dispenser may be used to distributepromotional materials, including coupons, flyers, brochures, etc.

The second module may be or include a display or display surface 210 forinformation graphics or advertising. The second module may be a frame370, surface 380, etc. for receiving graphics 350 or advertising 360. Inan exemplary embodiment, the graphics or advertising material may beremovable, interchangeable, or temporarily affixed to the upper module.In an exemplary embodiment, the graphics or advertising materials may bepermanently attached the upper module.

In alternative embodiments, the various modules described above may beprovided in a variety of different combinations and orientations. Forexample, the modules may be provided next to each other, in aside-by-side configuration as shown in the FIGURES, as well as beingprovided in a variety of other vertical and horizontal combinations,including modules on top of each other, etc. The assembly may be formedor assembled from one or two or more modules or stations in variousarrangements and configurations.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the modular assembly 10 includestwo or more structures that may be assembled or constructed to form aservice stand, service center or assembly. These structures may becabinets. The structures may receive one or more receptacles within asubstantially closed area such as an interior area. The structures mayalso receive one or more receptacles within a substantially openstructure, or as support panels or frames that include an elevatedmounting plate.

An exemplary embodiment of a modular utility assembly according to thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. First module 420 includeswaste receptacle portion 460 and windshield service station 4100. Wastereceptacle portion 460 includes liner 240 (such as a waste can, bin,receptacle, bucket, trash bag liner and/or trash bag frame, etc.) and acover portion 260. Liner 240 is received in a space between two panels486 that are attached to an interface or frame work. Cover 260 is hingedto first module 420. This configuration allows cover 260 to be moved outof the way, allowing access to liner 240 for emptying, etc. withoutdisassembling the system. As shown in FIG. 4A through 4B, cover 260 ishinged along an upper edge. According to an alternative embodiment, thecover may be hinged along either side edge, or a bottom edge, whichwould allow for the selective access to the liner. According to analternative embodiment, the cover may be completely removable from thelower module, i.e. it may clip on, be fastened on with a variety offasteners, screws, bolts, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, cover 260 mayinclude an aperture or opening 270 such that waste may be insertedthrough cover 260, and be received in liner 240. According to aparticularly preferred embodiment, cover 260 may include a bulge orprotrusion 280 which accommodates the space required for liner 240.According to this particularly preferred embodiment, aperture 270 isprovided in a portion of this bulge 280.

According to another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 3Athrough 3F, the placement orientation, and configuration of one or morestations within a module may be altered. As shown, the waste receptacleportion 60 is provided toward the back of the assembly, and windshieldservice station 100 is provided toward the front of the assembly. Wastereceptacle portion 60 may be provided with lid 3260 which is moveable,allowing easier access to the waste receptacle portion. In otheralternative embodiments, the lid may be provided on the back side of thesystem, may hinge from the front, or side, may be completely removable,etc. First module 320 may be provided with feet 325 (e.g., levelers,casters, rollers, etc.) to allow easier movement, placement or levelingof the assembly. As shown in FIG. 2A, a first sized hand towel dispenser290 is shown attached as part of second module 350. According to aparticularly preferred embodiment, the assembly allows for 6 inches ofvertical adjustment for hand towel dispenser 290. Alternatively, a widerange of adjustment positions may be used.

A dispenser 392 (e.g., sanitizer dispenser, soap dispenser, toweldispenser, sanitary wipe dispenser, etc) may be coupled to interface 58shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A through 3D.

According to the particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and3A through 3F, the height of second module 350 relative to first module320 may be adjusted. Interface 340 (including members 140 and 150) isprovided with two or more sets of apertures (or bolting positions shownas points 355 and 356) to provide interface 340 and second module 350 atdifferent heights relative to first module 320 (see FIG. 2A). Accordingto various alternative embodiments, any number of adjustment positionsmay be provided to adjust the height of the interface (and secondmodule) relative to the first module. According to an alternativeembodiment, the interface or frame may be provided with a variety ofadjustment positions.

Referring to FIGS. 22 through 24, an exemplary embodiment of a system7000 (e.g., service center, utility station or center, module, unit,base, apparatus, etc.) for use with a plurality of interchangeablemodules and a plurality of frames is shown. System 7000 includes anupper portion 7020 and a lower portion 7022. Upper portion 7020comprises an interface or plate 7024 (e.g., mounting plate, member,etc.). Plate 7024 is intended to comprise a universal mounting interfacefor mounting or attaching a plurality of interchangeable modules tosystem 7000. As shown in FIG. 22, plate 7024 is configured tointerchangeably receive one of a plurality of different sized modules(e.g., modules of different size and/or having different mounting pointsor mounting configurations). Plate 7024 comprises a plurality ofdifferently spaced indentations or apertures 7026 (e.g., openings,mounting or attachment points, fasteners, inserts, molded in inserts,etc.). Apertures 7026 provide mounting or attachment points forinterchangeable module attachment or mounting. Apertures 7026 may beconfigured to allow a user to drill through for installation of a modulesuch as a towel dispenser. According to an exemplary embodiment, plate7024 may comprise differently spaced molded in inserts 7028 (e.g.,openings, mounting or attachment points, apertures, fasteners, inserts,molded in inserts, etc.) for attaching or mounting modules. According tovarious alternative embodiments, a variety of dimensions and/or spacingsmay be used that provide mounting or attachment points (e.g., apertures,openings, fasteners, inserts, molded in inserts, etc.). According to anexemplary embodiment, plate 7024 is configured to support a variety ofdifferent towel dispensers and/or other containers and their contentswithout reconfiguring system 7000 or plate 7024 (e.g., drilling holes).

As shown in FIGS. 22-24, system 7000 comprises lower portion 7022. Lowerportion 7022 comprises a cavity or compartment 7030 (e.g., opening,aperture, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, compartment 7030provides an area to receive one or more receptacles 7032 (e.g., buckets,liners, containers, windshield washing fluid containers, blow moldedreservoirs, debris modules, etc.). As shown in FIG. 23, receptacles orreservoirs 7032 comprise a molded-in water fill level indicator 7034 forusers to easily identify a suitable water or fluid level in a reservoir7032. As shown in FIG. 41, receptacles 7032 may also comprise a flatbottom surface 7036. Flat bottom surface 7036 allows a user to remove areceptacle 7032 from system 7000, place receptacle 7032 on the ground orother suitable flat surface, and refill receptacle 7032. According to anexemplary embodiment, compartment 7030 comprises a lower (e.g., bottom)surface 7038 to provide support to receptacles 7032. Compartment 7030 isconfigured to receive and support receptacles 7032. According to variousembodiments, the compartment may be configured to receive and supportany number of receptacles.

Referring to FIG. 24, system 7000 comprises a back portion or area 7040(e.g., surface). Back area 7040 comprises various portions configured tocouple system 7000 to one of a number of different sized frames (e.g.,poles, rods, posts, beams, buildings, walls, and/or other suitablestructures) shown as a pole 7047 in FIG. 31. According to an exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 24, back area 7040 comprises an indentation orrecess 7042 (e.g., mounting recess, groove, channel, cut-out, notch,etc.) configured to support system 7000 when mounting to anotherstructure such as a frame. According to an exemplary embodiment, area7040 may comprises bracket receivers 7044. According to an exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 26, 27, 29 and 31, back portion 7040 comprisesa notch or recess 7046 for narrow pole mounting. According to variousexemplary embodiments, any suitable attachment means may be used tocouple system 7000 to another structure such as bolts, screws,fasteners, collars, adhesives, and/or other suitable devices.

FIGS. 25 through 33 show a system 7050 according to an alternativeembodiment. System 7050 is similar to system 7000, but includes a plate7052 that attaches to system 7050. Plate 7052 may couple to system 7050according to any suitable method (e.g., adhesives, fasteners, welding,etc.). As shown in FIG. 25, plate 7052 is attached to system 7050 withscrews 7054. According to various exemplary embodiments, the system maycomprise any parts and/or features described herein. According to apreferred embodiment, plate 7052 comprises a plastic “universal”dispenser mounting plate (e.g., universally adaptable to differentlysized modules having different mounting configurations).

FIGS. 34 through 37 show various different modules (e.g., toweldispensers) attached to system 7050 of FIGS. 32 and 33. FIG. 34 shows adouble folded towel dispenser 7056, FIG. 35 shows a tork dispenser 7058,FIG. 36 shows a von Drehle dispenser 7060 (available from von DrehleCorporation of Hickory, N.C.), and FIG. 37 shows a standard dispenser7062.

Referring to FIGS. 43 through 53, double folded towel dispenser 7056 isshown in greater detail. Dispenser 7056 comprises a towel divider 7064that is configured to be inserted (e.g., wedged, placed, provided, etc.)into aperture 7066 (e.g., opening, slot, channel, etc.). Towel holders7068 (e.g., containers, receptacles, etc.) may be provided on each sideof divider 7064. As shown in FIG. 47, a bottom portion 7070 of dispenser7056 comprises double towel slots 7072 for dispensing towels. A toweldoor 7074 may be coupled to a front portion 7076 of dispenser 7056 tocover and prevent undesired removal of holders 7068 from dispenser 7056.Door 7074 may be tethered (e.g., with a tether 7078) to dispenser 7056so that a user may hang door 7074 from dispenser 7056 while stockingtowels and/or other supplies in dispenser 7056. Door 7074 may couple todispenser 7056 according to any suitable method. According to anexemplary embodiment, door 7074 comprises projections 7080 (e.g., tabs,inserts, portions, members, etc.) that fit or snap into openings ondispenser 7056 to couple door 7074 to dispenser 7056. Dispenser 7056 maycomprise a graphics panel 7082 and graphics panel cover 7084 which arecouplable to a portion or side 7086 of dispenser 7056. Graphics panelcover 7084 is couplable to dispenser 7056 according to any suitablemethod. According to an exemplary embodiment, graphics panel cover 7084comprises projections 7081 (e.g., tabs, inserts, portions, members,etc.) that fit or snap into openings on dispenser 7056 to couple cover7084 to dispenser 7056. According to an exemplary embodiment, cover 7084may have a clear or colored lens. A graphic 7088 may be provided ongraphics panel 7082 which is provided in an optional graphics recessarea (on one or both sides of the dispenser). According to variousexemplary embodiments, the construction and materials of the parts ofthe dispenser may vary. According to an exemplary embodiment, thedispenser may be rotomolded for structural integrity and appropriatedetailing. According to an exemplary embodiment, the towel door may beheat bent tinted acrylic (e.g., translucent smoke acrylic), routed andheat bent, injection molded, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment,the towel divider matches the dispensing angle and is riveted to thedispenser housing.

The systems described can be configured for many different types ofuses. The “universal” plate or interface can be used to hold a varietyof popular towel dispensers available to users. The “universal” plateallows a user to mount one of a variety of different types of modules onthe system (e.g., for folded towels, for roll towels, etc.). The systemsprovide increased capacity for fluid in the receptacles and greatercapacity for towels. The towel dispensers may be clear or at leastpartially clear so that a user may observe a towel level.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the system as shown in the preferred and other exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of thepresent inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure,those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations insizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the variouselements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials,colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the assemblies may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentor attachment positions provided between the elements may be varied. Itshould be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures and combinations. It should also be noted that the system maybe used in association with adjustable, or fixed and non-movable systemsor any of a wide variety of other modules in any of a wide variety ofother applications. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended tobe included within the scope of the present inventions. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinventions.

1. An apparatus for use with a plurality of interchangeable modulescomprising: a frame; and a plate provided on the frame and comprising aplurality of mounting locations for mounting interchangeable modulesrelative to the plate; wherein the mounting locations are configured toallow for selective attachment of a first interchangeable module to theplate in a first configuration removal of the first interchangeablemodule from the plate after the selective attachment to the plate andselective attachment of a second interchangeable module to the plate ina second configuration after the removal of the first interchangeablemodule without reconfiguring the plurality of mounting locations of theplate.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first configurationcomprises a different mounting location on the plate than the secondconfiguration.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises acompartment configured to receive at least one receptacle.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3 wherein a removable receptacle is provided in thecompartment.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the plate is providedabove the compartment.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plate isintegrally formed with the frame.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe plate comprises an interface.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe mounting locations of the plate comprise a plurality of apertures.9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting locations of the platecomprise fasteners provided in the plate.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9wherein the fasteners comprise fastener inserts molded in the plate. 11.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plate comprises fastener insertsprovided on the plate.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the framecomprises a mounting area configured to couple to a base in a firstconfiguration to provide the plate at a first position and couple to thebase in a second configuration to provide the plate at a secondposition.
 13. A service center configured for use with a plurality ofinterchangeable modules comprising: a frame comprising an interface anda compartment; wherein the interface is configured for selectiveattachment of a first interchangeable module to the interface in a firstmounting configuration removal of the first interchangeable module fromthe interface after the selective attachment to the interface andselective attachment of a second interchangeable module to the interfacein a second mounting configuration after the removal of the firstinterchangeable module; and wherein the first mounting configurationcomprises a different mounting location on the interface than the secondmounting configuration.
 14. The service center of claim 13 wherein thecompartment comprises at least one removable receptacle provided in thecompartment.
 15. The service center of claim 13 wherein the interfacecomprises a plate comprising apertures for mounting interchangeablemodules having different mounting points.
 16. The service center ofclaim 13 wherein the interface comprises means for interchanging aplurality of different modules.
 17. The service center of claim 13wherein the frame is configured to couple to a base in a firstconfiguration to provide the interface at a first position and couple tothe base in a second configuration to provide the interface at a secondposition and wherein the first position comprises a first height and thesecond position comprises a second height which is greater than thefirst height.
 18. An apparatus for use with a plurality ofinterchangeable modules comprising: a base comprising a member and anopening; wherein an interchangeable module is attached to the member;wherein the member comprises a plurality of attachment points configuredfor attachment of one of a plurality of interchangeable modules; whereinat least one bucket is provided in the opening; wherein the attachmentpoints are configured for selective attachment of a firstinterchangeable module to the member in a first configuration removal ofthe first interchangeable module from the member after the selectiveattachment to the member and selective attachment of a secondinterchangeable module to the member in a second configuration after theremoval of the first interchangeable module without reconfiguring theattachment points of the member; wherein the first configurationcomprises at least one different attachment point on the member than thesecond configuration.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein theattachment points comprise apertures provided in the member.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 18 wherein the member comprises a mounting plate.